Microsoft Windows 8 on sale from October 26

Microsoft Windows 8 will go on sale on October 26. The upgrade to the technology giant's operating system is designed to work better with touch screens and tablet computers.



Microsoft announced the date in a blog post and at its annual sales meeting. The software company had earlier said Windows 8 would go on sale in October but not announced a date.

Microsoft will release the software as a downloadable upgrade for PC owners, and let PC makers start selling computers with Windows 8 the same day.

As an upgrade for users of Windows XP, Vista or 7, Windows 8 will cost $40. That's much less than what Microsoft Corp has charged for previous operating system upgrades.

People who bought a Windows 7 computer on June 2 or later can upgrade for $15.

With inputs from Associated Press